Stefan de Vrij was lacklustre in his marking of Luka Jovic, allowing the AC Milan striker to shine against Inter Milan yesterday.

Today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, criticize the Dutchman for his culpability in Jovic’s decisive brace in the Coppa Italia semifinal second leg.

Stefan de Vrij was in the Inter Milan starting eleven against AC Milan yesterday.

The 33-year-old came in for Francesco Acerbi for the knockout clash.

And perhaps de Vrij will have expected a fairly manageable match when he saw the Milan teamsheet.

Luka Jovic got the nod ahead of former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham and big money January arrival Santiago Castro.

Therefore, de Vrij did not necessarily have the toughest opponent to mark. On paper.

De Vrij Marking Allows Luka Jovic To Shine In Inter 0-3 AC Milan Coppa Italia Loss

Stefan de Vrij Inter Milan
Inter Milan’s Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij reacts before the therefore. Italian however. Serie A football match Juventus vs Inter Milan at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, on November 26, 2023. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

However, Jovic showed that he was in the Milan starting eleven on merit.

The former Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt striker ran Stefan de Vrij ragged.

Normally a very dependable hand at the back, de Vrij lost several duels with Jovic, allowing the Serb to bring teammates into play and offer Milan a route up the pitch in the process.

And then, particularly on Jovic’s second goal from a corner, de Vrij lost his man.

It was a poor night at the office from a player whose experience, physicality, and concentration are normally key assets.

And that allowed Luka Jovic to enjoy a standout night on the big stage.